ABO and Rhesus (D, C, c, E, and e) Antigen Frequencies Among Blood Donors in Saudi Arabia

Knowledge of blood group antigen frequencies in a population is essential for the efficient working of transfusion services. This study aimed to report the frequencies of ABO antigens and the 5 main Rhesus (Rh) antigens (D, C, c, E, and e) in Saudi Arabian blood donors.

Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes from 6,188 blood donors for determination of ABO and Rh blood group antigens and Rh phenotypes over a 6-month period. The testing was done using the TANGO Optimo automated blood bank analyzer system. The criteria for selection of blood donors were according to the recommendations of the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI).

Blood donors aged 17 - 60 years with a mean age of 30 ± 6 years were included in this study. The ABO frequencies observed in this study were as follows: A, 26.5%; B, 19.2%; O, 48.2%, and AB, 6.1%. In the Rh system, the e antigen (97.2%) was the most frequent antigen, followed by D (91.3%), c (77.7%), C (69.2%), and E (29.1%). The most common phenotype found was R1r (32.7%), followed by R1R1 (22%). Presence of C antigen was more common in D-positive donors (75.8%) compared to D-negative donors (8%), while 99.4% of the D-negative donors were c-positive.

The observed frequencies and distribution of ABO and Rh antigens in Saudi Arabs are different from the reported results for white people, Asians, and black people. Knowledge about the frequency and phenotype distribution of red cell antigens would help in providing antigen-negative compatible blood for patients with multiple alloantibodies and will also help the blood banks in improving their inventory management.